Method for monitoring cumulative fitness activity

ABSTRACT

In accordance with the method, system and program of the present invention, at least one type of exercise indicator signal associated with exercise performed by a particular user is received from a particular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at a portable computer system provided the particular user. Cumulative fitness activity is computed and stored for the particular user at the portable computer system utilizing the at least one type of exercise indicator signal and previously accumulated fitness activity data at the portable computer system, such that an independent portable computer system associated with the particular user monitors the real-time cumulative fitness activity of the particular user from at least one type of exercise indicator signal received from at least one exercise machine over a period of time.

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA

[0001] This application is a divisional of prior application Ser. No.09/561,115, filed on Apr. 20, 2000, and entitled “Managing FitnessActivity Across Diverse Exercise Machines Utilizing a Portable ComputerSystem,” now U.S. Pat. No. ______, which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0002] This application is related to:

[0003] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,130 filed Apr. 28, 2000,now abandoned;

[0004] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,426 filed Apr. 28, 2000,now U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,016,

[0005] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,134 filed Apr. 28, 2000,now abandoned; and

[0006] U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/561,422 filed Apr. 28, 2000;

[0007] all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1. Technical Field

[0009] The present invention relates to an improved method, system andprogram for monitoring fitness activity in general and, in particular,to an improved method, system and program for managing fitness activityacross diverse exercise machines with a portable computer system. Stillmore particularly, the present invention relates to a method, system andprogram for monitoring the real-time cumulative fitness activity of auser from fitness activity data received from a plurality of diverseexercise machines over a period of time at a single, portable computersystem.

[0010] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0011] A fitness craze has recently swept the United States and othercountries. From fat-free potato chips to treadmills, people around theworld have become obsessed with weight loss and healthy living.Accordingly, record numbers of new fitness products/exercise equipmentfrom multiple manufacturers have emerged to meet this obsession(including stair climbers, treadmills, recumbent bicycles, ski machines,rowing machines, weight lifting machines, and the like).

[0012] Many pieces of exercise equipment, when utilized regularly, arevery useful for weight loss, for improving cardiovascular stamina, andfor strengthening various muscles. Most exercise equipment includes amonitoring device that may include a pulse monitor, a distance meter, arate monitor, a time monitor, a strain gauge, an accelerometer and/orany other sensor for measuring the physical activity/performance levelof an user on the equipment. Moreover, monitoring devices typicallyrequest personal data from the user such as age, weight and desiredphysical fitness level. The monitoring device utilizes the personal datain combination with physical exertion and heart rate to estimatecalories burned, fitness levels met, and other fitness related data. Inaddition, the monitor may adjust the resistance or speed of a piece ofexercise equipment in order to aid the user in reaching and/ormaintaining a fitness level for that exercise session.

[0013] One limiting factor of many exercise machines and monitors isthat the user must reenter their personal data to the monitor each timethe user utilizes an exercise machine. In addition, most exercisemachines do not have a previous history of the user from which toprovide data about improvement and to provide additional fitness goals.However, one solution to providing a history for a user is provided inU.S. Pat. No. 5,335,188 ('188). In '188, a speed and time elapsed of anexercise session on a bicycle is recorded. The user may choose to savethe speed and time of an exercise session under an identifier for theuser. The user may later select a particular exercise session as astandard of performance for subsequent performances whereby eachsubsequent performance is compared with the selected exercise session.However, while the bicycle monitor memory stores exercise sessions for aparticular user at that bicycle, in a club or other venue where multiplebicycles are provided, the user may not always have access to thebicycle at which the session data is stored in order to add to the data.

[0014] Another limiting factor of many exercise machines is that theyoperate and monitor the user independent of one another. However,cross-training across multiple machines is popular in order to exercisedifferent parts of the body. An individual may spend 20 minutes on atreadmill working a hills program where the monitor for the treadmillcalculates a certain number of calories burned and other fitness relateddata. The individual may then move to a rowing machine that does notrealize that the user has already worked for 20 minutes and thuscalculates calories burned and other fitness related data as if the useronly worked out on the rowing machine. An overall fitness level achievedby the user after working on both machines is not provided.

[0015] One solution to cross-training across multiple machines isprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,598,849 ('849). In '849, an individual isprovided with a user monitor that has a preferred exercise regimen ofphysical parameters such as heart rate stored therein. The user isrequired to monitor at least one physical parameter with the assistanceof the user monitor and is preferably required during exercise tocontrol his exercise to maintain the physical parameter as closely aspossible to the preset values. After exercising is completed, themonitored physical parameters are proffered from the user monitor andsent to a master data processing system where the monitored parametersare stored and compared with the preset parameters in order to develop afitness profile. However, a real-time fitness profile is not provided bythe prior art. In addition, the exercise regimen is not alterable duringthe workout. Moreover, the user monitor is limited in that it operatesindependent of the exercise machine and therefore does not providefeedback to the exercise machine in order that resistance or anothervariable may be adjusted.

[0016] Moreover, another limiting factor of many exercise machines isthat they are boring to utilize because of their inability to encouragea user to continue exercising. Display screens that depict a user'slocation within a selected exercise program may be provided; however,they typically include dull graphics. One solution to improvinggraphical rendering is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,868 ('868). Inthe '868 patent, an exercise monitor outputs a signal representative ofthe performance level of a user utilizing the exercise equipment (e.g.pulse rate, distance traveled, time exercised, rate of exercise, etc.).The performance level signal then is fed to a video game playerwirelessly or via a cable.

[0017] The video game player preferably utilizes a hand-held video gameplayer. To simulate the user, the output from the exercise monitor isutilized to control the video game character's performance level withina video game that runs on the video game player. For example, thelifetime of a video game character may be increased by peddling faster.However, while the video game player provides a graphical venue by whichthe user controls a video game character according to their fitnesslevel, other types of graphical rendering, other than a video game arenot provided. In addition, in order to utilize the video game player, amonitor that supplies a particular type of performance level signal mustbe coupled to the exercise machine. Another limiting factor of manyexercise machines is that they do not provide a display that isadjustable dependent upon the user. For example, existing systems arelimited in that they do not offer displaying output from an exercisemachine in a particular language, dependent upon the user.

[0018] Therefore, in view of the aforementioned, it would beadvantageous to provide a personal electronic exercise monitor thatoperates in real-time to transmit control signal to multiple diverseexercise machines to control the movement of the exercise machines,proffer fitness data from multiple diverse exercise machines, utilizethe fitness data from each exercise machine to update cumulative fitnessactivity over a period of time, adjust the control signal to meetfitness goals and control a graphical rendering of current exertion andtotals that are selected by the individual. In addition, it would bedesirable to provide a personal electronic exercise monitor thattransmits personal data and/or exercise program selections to anexercise machine monitor such that it is not necessary for a user tore-enter the data at multiple diverse exercise machines.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In view of the foregoing, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide an improved method, system and program formonitoring exercise.

[0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide animproved method, system and program for managing fitness activity acrossdiverse exercise machines with a portable computer system.

[0021] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide animproved method, system and program for monitoring the real-timecumulative fitness activity of a user from fitness activity datareceived from a plurality of diverse exercise machines over a period oftime at a single data processing system.

[0022] In accordance with the method, system and program of the presentinvention, at least one type of exercise indicator signal associatedwith exercise performed by a particular user is received from aparticular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at aportable computer system for a particular user.

[0023] Cumulative fitness activity is computed and stored for theparticular user at the portable computer system utilizing the at leastone type of exercise indicator signal and previously accumulated fitnessactivity data at the portable computer system, such that an independentportable computer system associated with the particular user monitorsthe real-time cumulative fitness activity of the particular user from atleast one type of exercise indicator signal received from at least oneexercise machine over a period of time.

[0024] All objects, features, and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent in the following detailed written description.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The invention itself as will as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjects, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference tothe following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment whenread in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0026]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of a data processing system withwhich the method, system and program of the present invention mayadvantageously be utilized;

[0027]FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system forutilizing a personal electronic exercise monitor in accordance with themethod, system and program of the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 3 depicts a second embodiment of a system for utilizing apersonal electronic exercise monitor in accordance with the method,system and program of the present invention;

[0029]FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a block diagram of a machineusage system for a health club in accordance with the method, system andprogram of the present invention:

[0030]FIG. 5 illustrates a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for controlling an exercise machine in accordance with thepresent invention;

[0031]FIG. 6 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for utilizing a personal electronic exercise monitor to controlan exercise machine in accordance with present invention;

[0032]FIG. 7 illustrates a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for specializing a personal electronic exercise monitor inaccordance with the present invention; and

[0033]FIG. 8 depicts a high level logic flowchart of a process andprogram for controlling machine usage for a health club in accordancewith the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034] The present invention may be executed in a variety of systems,including a variety of computing systems and electronic devices under anumber of different operating systems. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, the computer system is a portable computing systemsuch as a notebook computer, a palmtop computer, a personal digitalassistant, a telephone or other electronic computing system that mayalso incorporate communications features that provides for telephony,enhanced telephony, messaging and information services. However, thecomputer system may also be, for example, a desktop computer, a networkcomputer, a midrange computer or a mainframe computer. Preferably, inorder to enable at least one of these communications features, thecomputer system is able to be connected to a network, such as theInternet by either a wired link or wireless link. In addition, thecomputer system may be a stand-alone system or part of a network such asa local-area network (LAN) or a wide-area network (WAN). Therefore, ingeneral, the present invention is preferably executed in a computersystem that performs computing tasks such as manipulating data instorage that is accessible to the computer system. In addition, thecomputer system includes at least one output device and at least oneinput device.

[0035] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, thereis depicted a block diagram of one embodiment of a computer system thatmay utilize the present invention. As depicted, data processing system10 includes at least one processor 12, which is coupled to system bus11. Each processor 12 is a general-purpose processor, such as IBM'sPowerPC™ processor that, during normal operation, processes data underthe control of operating system and application software stored inrandom access memory (RAM) 14 and Read Only Memory (ROM) 13. Theoperating system preferably provides a graphical user interface (GUI) tothe user. Application software contains instructions that when executedon processor 12 carry out the operations depicted in the flowcharts ofFIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9 and others described herein.

[0036] Processors 12 are coupled via system bus 11 and PeripheralComponent Interconnect (PCI) host bridge 16 to PCI local bus 20. PCIhost bridge 16 provides a low latency path through which processor 12may directly access PCI devices mapped anywhere within bus memory and/orI/O address spaces. PCI host bridge 16 also provides a high bandwidthpath for allowing PCI devices to directly access RAM 14.

[0037] PCI local bus 20 interconnects a number of devices forcommunication under the control of PCI controller 30. These devicesinclude a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) controller 18, whichprovides an interface to SCSI hard disk 19, and communicationsadapter(s) 15, which interface data processing system 10 to at least onedata communication network 17 comprising wired and/or wireless networkcommunications. In addition, an audio adapter 23 is attached to PCIlocal bus 20 for controlling audio output through speaker 24. A graphicsadapter 21 is also attached to PCI local bus 20 for controlling visualoutput through display monitor 22. In alternate embodiments of thepresent invention, additional peripheral components may be added. Forexample, in alternate embodiments, a tactile display component may beprovided.

[0038] PCI local bus 20 is further coupled to an Industry StandardArchitecture (ISA) bus 25 by an expansion bus bridge 29. As shown, ISAbus 25 has an attached I/O (Input/Output) controller 34 that interfacesdata processing system 10 to peripheral input devices such as a keyboardand mouse (not illustrated) and supports external communication viaparallel, serial and universal serial bus (USB) ports 26, 27, and 28,respectively.

[0039] With reference now to FIG. 2, there is depicted one embodiment ofa block diagram of a system for utilizing a personal electronic exercisemonitor in accordance with the method, system and program of the presentinvention. As depicted, computer system 10 preferably acts as a personalelectronic exercise monitor that accesses, interprets, and controlsfitness data across diverse exercise machine platforms. A fitnessprofile 50, fitness goals 52, personal data 54, control programs 56, andelectronic calendar 58 are preferably stored within a data storagemedium 51 of computer system 10. While in the present embodiment datastorage medium is depicted at internally accessible to computer system10, in alternate embodiments, data storage medium 51 may be externallyor remotely accessible to computer system 10. In addition, the datastored in data storage medium 51 is preferably updatable throughdownloads from other sources to computer system 10. Moreover, the datastored on computer system 10 is preferably efficiently stored in aparticular data transmission format, such the extensible mark-uplanguage (XML), or is easily convertible into the data transmissionformat.

[0040] Computer system 10 preferably communicates with multiple diverseexercise machines, such as exercise machine 38, via a bi-directionalcommunications medium (or across a communication interface). Inaddition, as will be further described, computer system 10 maycommunicate with alternate server systems via a bi-directionalcommunication medium. The communications medium may include wired orwireless communications or other communications media that enablesbi-directional transmission of data. Moreover, the communications mediummay include a link to a network, such as the Internet, or a direct datalink.

[0041] In a wired embodiment of the communications medium, for example,exercise machine 38 is connected to computer system 10 via parallel,serial, or USB ports, or the communication adapter as depicted inFIG. 1. In a wireless embodiment of the communications medium, forexample, exercise machine 38 is wirelessly connected to computer system10 via infrared, radio frequency (RF), cellular and other wirelesstransmissions which are detected by computer system 10.

[0042] Data exchange across the communications medium is advantageouslyperformed in at least one of multiple available data transmissionprotocols and is preferably supported by a common data structure format,such as the extensible mark-up language (XML) data structure format.Data transmission protocols may include, but are not limited to,Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Internet Protocol (IP), HypertextTransfer Protocol (HTTP), and Bluetooth. In addition, data may betransmitted in a secure manner via encryption or by technologies such assecure socket layer (SSL) or virtual private networks (VPN).

[0043] An example of an XML data file that might be transmitted fromcomputer system 10 to exercise machine 38, as depicted below, preferablycontains data that is distinguished by attributes on elements and may bewrappered within a larger element. For example, the data attributed toelement “<TimeStamp></TimeStamp>” designates the time that the data wasattributed to the XML data file.    <TREADMILL TimeStamp=“888965153”MachineType=“Arc2000” UserID=“JANEXYZ” Speed=“30” Elevation=“5”>

[0044] In addition, in an alternate example, the XML data file might beformatted utilizing elements, as illustrated below.<TimeStamp>888965153</TimeStamp> <MachineType>Arc2000</MachineType><UserID>JANEXYZ</UserID> <Speed>30</Speed> <Elevation>5</Elevation>

[0045] In the example, as will be further described, exercise machine 38would receive the example XML data file and utilize the XML data file tocontrol operation of exercise machine 38. The above described XML datafile example is intended as a functional example of an XML data filethat would control the speed and elevation of a treadmill. The elements,format of the elements and data included with the elements is providedto depict an example and is not intended to limit the types of elements,format of elements or data included with elements that are in an XMLdata file.

[0046] In the example of the XML data format as the common transmittabledata format, a data validation file such as a document type definition(DTD) or schema is preferably utilized to validate XML data files. Inaddition, a schema preferably translates multiple XML data files.Moreover, a style sheet such as an extensible stylesheet language (XSL)file is preferably utilized to provide a style specification for the XMLdata at the receiving system. In particular, DTDs, schemas, and XSLfiles may be, for example, transmitted with an XML data file to areceiving system or downloaded at the receiving system from an alternatesource. In the present example, the DTD or schema would verify that allthe data required for transmittal to a particular exercise machine isincluded in the XML data file. For example, a speed and elevation may berequired to validate the XML data file.

[0047] Exercise machine 38 advantageously transmits measurements in thecommon transmittable data structure format from real-time monitoringsystems associated with exercise machine 38 including, but not limitedto a pulse monitor, a distance meter, a rate monitor, a time monitor, astrain gauge, an accelerometer and/or any other sensor for measuring thephysical activity/performance level of a user on a piece of equipment.

[0048] Detected exercise signals, such as a pulse, distance, rate, time,strain, etc, are preferably transmitted from exercise machine 38 in acommon transmittable data format. For example, an example of an XML datafile for a pulse monitor is described below where a user's pulse ismeasured between a particular time period at 80 beats per minute. Inaddition, an alternate form of XML formatting may be utilized.<TimeRange>888965153,888965160</TimeRange> <MachineID>45365</MachineID><MachineType>PulseMonitor</MachineType> <Rate>80</Rate>

[0049] Computer system 10 is preferably enabled to compute currentfitness activity based on the detected exercise in the form of a pulse,distance, rate, time, strain, acceleration, and any other sensed valuethat may be utilized to compute current fitness activity. In addition,in calculating current fitness activity, factors such as previouslyaccumulated fitness activity stored in fitness profile 50, personal data54, and the type of exercise machine are utilized to compute a realisticfitness assessment. Thereby, computer system 10 is enabled to computeand store cumulative real-time fitness activity within fitness profile50 over a selected time period or session from across multiple diverseexercise machines.

[0050] Cumulative fitness activity over a selected time period ispreferably computed from summing previously accumulated fitness activityfor the selected time period with the current fitness activity. Insumming the previously accumulated fitness activity and current fitnessactivity, computer system 10 may adjust the cumulative total to moreclosely reflect the fitness gained as a result of exercising on multiplemachines over a period of time. For example, if a user exercises for anhour across three different exercise machines, the amount of caloriesburned by the user actually increases with prolonged exercise over aparticular amount of time determined for that user and therefore isadjusted in the cumulative fitness activity.

[0051] In addition, to storing cumulative real-time fitness activity fora user over a particular period of time, individual sessions of fitnessactivity may also be recorded. For example, if a user exercises on atreadmill for 20 minutes and a rowing machine for 20 minutes, acumulative fitness profile may be calculated and stored in fitnessprofile 50. In addition, fitness activity achieved from exercise on thetreadmill and rowing machine may be stored as separate exercisesessions. Moreover, in addition to calculating cumulative fitnessactivity according to previously accumulated fitness activity, personaldata 54 and the type of exercise machine, the types of food eaten by theuser that day, fluid intake, medication usage and environmental exposuremay be utilized to determine cumulative fitness activity data.

[0052] In particular, in addition to receiving detected exercise signalsfrom exercise machine 38, detected exercise may be input by a user viainput interface 66 or from another monitoring device. For example, auser may count the number of jumping jacks that they perform during abreak between utilizing exercise machines. The number of jumping jackscan be entered into computer system 10 via an input interface 66 andcomputer system 10 computes fitness activity data for the jumping jacksand updates the cumulative real-time fitness activity data.

[0053] Input interface 66 may include, but is not limited to including,a keyboard, a mouse, a stylus, a vocal recognition system, atactile-detectable device, a biometric detection device, a disk drive, apersonal storage device adapter, and other devices which allow userinput to computer system 10. Preferably, input interface 66 provides aninterface with computer system 10 through which a user may supplementdata provided by exercise machine 38. In addition, input interface 66preferably provides an interface with computer system 10 through which auser may customize the functions performed by computer system 10 anddata stored therein.

[0054] In addition, in an alternate embodiment, other monitoring systemsmay be associated with computer system 10. For example, a pulse monitormay be associated with computer system 10 that detects the pulse of auser as the user exercises on exercise machine 38, independent ofexercise machine 38. In another example, a pulse rate monitor may recorda pulse rate for a user over a period of time, such as during a footrace, and transmit the recorded exercise signals to computer system 10,independent of an exercise machine. Therefore, an exercise machine neednot include monitoring systems for detecting health parameters duringexercise. In addition, the cumulative fitness activity data calculatedat computer system 10 may be supplemented with exercise measurementstaken for exercise performed independent of exercise machine 38.

[0055] Personal data 54 stored at computer system 10 may includeinformation that is relevant to determining fitness gains in a workoutsuch as weight, height, age, percentage body fat, bone density,metabolism, health problems, prescriptions, diet, and other healthrelated factors. For example, food and liquid intake for a user may bemonitored by a portable computer system as described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/466,000 and in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/560,386, both herein incorporated by reference. In another example,medication intake for a user may be monitored by a portable computersystem as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/560,992,herein incorporated by reference. Moreover, environmental exposure of auser may be monitored by a portable computer system as described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 09/560,163, herein incorporated byreference.

[0056] In addition, personal data 54 preferably includes a user's outputpreference for how cumulative fitness activity should be output. Forexample, a user may prefer a particular font size, colors, outputdevice, graphical application, etc.

[0057] Moreover, in personal data 54, an individual can designatemultiple levels of security for accessing fitness profile 50, fitnessgoals 52 and personal data 54 stored on computer system 10. For example,particular parts of personal data 54 such as age and bone density may beshielded from transmittal and access without a password. As will beunderstood by one with ordinary skill in the art, multiple types ofsecurity methods and filters may be applied to fitness goals 52,personal data 54 and other data stored on computer system 10.

[0058] Fitness goals 52 preferably includes data such as target heartrates, target caloric loss, target distance and speed, and other targetfitness goals stored in a data storage structure. In addition, fitnessgoals 52 preferably includes selections of control programs from controlprograms 56 for particular exercise machines and selected exercisesessions. In particular, a control program may be preselected in fitnessgoals 52 for a particular exercise machine such that the control programis automatically selected if a user selects to utilize that particularexercise machine. In addition, parameters for the control program, suchas a level of difficulty, may also be included in fitness goals 52.

[0059] An exercise session may include multiple selections of controlprograms from among control programs 56 for multiple machines that theuser is intended to utilize over a particular period of time. Thesession of selections of control programs may be pre-selected by theuser, determined by a trainer, or selected by computer system 10dependent upon the goals of the user and other factors. For example, asession may be selected that includes a control program for a 20-minuteinterval on a rowing machine at a particular speed and thereafter acontrol program for a 15-minute interval on a step machine with a targetheart rate. In another example, a user enters fitness goals and aselection of available exercise machines and programs on those exercisemachines is selected by computer system 10 and provided to the user.

[0060] As mentioned previously, if a user or trainer does not selectexercise sessions for an individual, computer system 10 may providesuitable exercise sessions that are selectable by the individual or atrainer. In particular, computer system 10 is preferably enabled todetermine sessions based on an individual's personal data 54, exercisemachines available to the user, and fitness goals 52 provided such asthe type of event training for, the date of the event and otherpertinent data. Alternatively, fitness goals 52 may include weight loss,cardiovascular strengthening, muscle strengthening, etc. Preferably, anindividual can enter or download specific types of exercise machinesthat are available in a personal gym or health club, wherein computersystem 10 determines suitable exercise sessions based on machineavailability.

[0061] A control program selection or session of control programselections in fitness goals 52 may be added to an electronic calendar 58on computer system 10 in order to schedule for the user what type ofexercise should be performed each day and how much time should beallotted for exercise. This function is particularly helpful for peoplewanting to follow a particular work out schedule. For example, athletestraining for an event, such as a triathlon, where a schedule isimperative to reach fitness goals and where multiple diverse exercisemodes are performed consecutively, would benefit from an exerciseprogram stored on electronic calendar 58. In addition, a trainer mayprescribe a particular workout schedule for a client on electroniccalendar 58.

[0062] Control programs 56 preferably includes multiple control programsfor controlling each of multiple types of diverse exercise machines. Forexample, for a treadmill, one control program may provide for a flatrace while another control program may provide for a hill workout. Eachof control programs 56 preferably designate a particular type of workout session with goals for reaching particular speeds, heights, heartrates, etc. dependent upon personal data 54. In particular, controlprograms 56 are preferably downloadable onto computer system 10.

[0063] The parameters of control programs 56 are advantageouslyadjustable by the user such that the intensity of each control programmay be varied. For example, a user may select to utilize a particularcontrol program, such as a hill workout, for thirty minutes one day andfor forty-five minutes another day. Computer system 10 is preferablyenabled to adjust the hill workout control program for varying times,difficulties, etc.

[0064] When computer system 10 connects to exercise machine 38, computersystem 10 preferably detects the type of exercise machine from a machinetype signal transmitted from exercise machine 38 in the commontransmittable data structure format. In response to detecting the typeof exercise machine, computer system 10 checks whether a control programfor the detected exercise machine is designated in fitness goals 52. Ifa control program is not preselected, then a selection of controlprograms available for controlling the machine are displayed to the uservia output interface 68. In response to a pre-selection of a controlprogram or a current designation of a control program, with parameterselections, a machine control signal is transmitted from computer system10 to exercise machine 38 in order to control the functions of exercisemachine 38.

[0065] As a user exercises, the detected exercise signals received fromexercise machine 38 are preferably compared with the goals of theexercise program. For example, a heart rate of the user may be comparedwith a target heart rate for the control program in view of personaldata 54 or a current cumulative fitness activity level in fitnessprofile 50. If a user is not reaching target goals, an indicator may beoutput to the user via output interface 68 and/or the machine controlsignal to exercise machine adjusted to facilitate the user reachingtarget goals. If the user is exceeding target goals, an indicator may beoutput to the user via output interface 68 and/or the machine controlsignal adjusted to reduce exercise intensity.

[0066] As another feature of computer system 10, a user may competeagainst other users via a communications medium with other computersystems that are monitoring real-time fitness activity data, where thefitness activity data is transmittable in the common data structureformat. For example, alternate computer system 59 is monitoringreal-time fitness activity data on exercise machine 61. In particular,multiple users may be utilizing the same type of exercise machine ordiverse types of exercise machines where a single type of displayprofile or multiple types of display profiles show each of the user'spaces compared with the other user's. For example, one user may beriding a stationary bicycle while another user is running on atreadmill. A graphically rendered game may be displayed to each of theuser's at each of the user's computer systems that are monitoring theirexercise. The game or other application preferably compensates for thedifferences in types of exercise to show one user's position compared toanother user's position in the game. The users may be within an arealocal to one another, such as in a gym, or may be within a global areaand are connected via a network connection.

[0067] As previously described, output preferences may be included withpersonal data 54 on computer system 10. The user-designated outputpreference may designate output preferences for a particular type ofoutput interface 68 for a particular user. Output interface 68 mayinclude, but is not limited to including, a graphical display, anelectronic paper, an audio speaker, audio headphones, a tactiledetectable device, or a printer. The output preferences may include, butare not limited to specifications such as the size, type and coloring ofa font in a graphical display, the type of tactile-detectable output(e.g. Braille), the language or the metric amount displayed.

[0068] In addition, the output preferences may designate a particulargame or other program that adds a pictorial representation of a fitnessprofile. For example, a game that displays the user riding through ajungle forest may be selected. Moreover, alternative output device maybe coupled to exercise machine 38 that provide additional media. Forexample, a user may switch stations, volume and signal bearing media oncontrollers including, but not limited to, a radio receiver, atelevision signal receiver, a compact disk player or a tape player thatis accessible from exercise machine 38. In addition, as will beunderstood by one with ordinary skill in the art, any form of visual,auditory or tactile media may be provided for the individual to detecttheir fitness profile.

[0069] Computer system 10 is advantageously a portable computer system,such as a digital telephone, a personal digital assistant, a laptopcomputer, or a palmtop computer that is easily transportable andcompact. In addition, computer system 10 is advantageously utilized as apersonal exercise monitor for monitoring exercise across multiplediverse exercise machine platforms and a temporary controller forcontrolling movement of multiple diverse exercise machine platforms whenin use by a user associated with computer system 10. It is important tonote that a user is able to customize the features available on computersystem 10. Since the user advantageously supplies computer system 10,the user may select the type and quality of desired output. For example,the user may download games, audio and other programs fromsignal-bearing media into data storage medium 51. In addition, the usermay utilize a computer system that includes a color display, oralternatively a black and white display. In addition, it is important tonote that computer system 10 may be continuously upgraded withoutrequiring the upgrade of machine monitor 40.

[0070] In addition, it is important to note that the exercise machinemonitoring system of the present invention may provide for a gym settingin which a user's account included in personal data 54 is charged as theuser exercises and the user provides computer system 10 in order tocontrol each of multiple diverse exercise machines. For example, auser's account may be debited per machine usage, per type of machineutilized, per time on the machine, per number of calories burned orother criteria. Moreover, a user's account may be debited fordownloading a particular game or upgrade.

[0071] With reference now to FIG. 3, there is depicted a secondembodiment of a system for utilizing a personal electronic exercisemonitor in accordance with the method, system and program of the presentinvention. As depicted, an exercise machine includes an at-machineexercise monitor 40 that includes a fitness calculator 46, predeterminedexercise programs 44, and a machine controller 48 within a data storagemedium 41 accessible to said monitor 40.

[0072] At-machine exercise monitor 40 preferably enables a user tocontrol exercise machine 38 both independently of computer system 10 anddependent upon computer system 10. Input interface 76 provides aninterface for a user to enter personal data and select a predeterminedexercise program from among predetermined exercise programs 44. Fitnesscalculator 46 calculates current fitness activity based on personal dataand detected exercise signals. Machine controller 48 transmits a controlsignal to exercise machine 38 for controlling movement of exercisemachine 38.

[0073] Alternatively, personal data may be transmitted from computersystem 10 to at-machine exercise monitor 40. In addition, alternatively,a selection of a predetermined exercise program may be transmitted toat-machine exercise monitor 40. Moreover, alternatively, at-machineexercise monitor 40 acts as a “dumb terminal” receiving a control signalfrom computer system 10, such that exercise machine 38 is completelycontrolled by computer system 10.

[0074] Personal data transmitted from computer system 10 to at-machineexercise monitor 40 is preferably transmitted in an XML data file asshown below, where at-machine exercise monitor 40 is enabled to read thedata file. In addition, a predetermined exercise program selection ofprogram “5” for thirty minutes at exercise level “8” may be included inthe data file. Moreover, an alternate form of XML formatting may beutilized. <TimeStamp>888965153</TimeStamp> <UserID>GeorgeG</UserID><Age>30</Age> <Weight>180</Weight> <Program>5</Program><ProgramTime>003000</ProgramTime> <ProgramLevel>8</ProgramLevel>

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram ofa machine usage system for a health club in accordance with the method,system and program of the present invention. Computer system 10 ispreferably enabled to transmit a schedule request for particularexercise machines during a particular time period in the commontransmittable data structure format via a network connection such as theInternet or a LAN connected to a health club server 80. For example, anXML data file including a request for a “Tread505” exercise machine onFeb. 23, 2000 from 1 PM to 1:30 PM is depicted below. In addition, analternate form of XML formatting may be utilized.<TimeStamp>888965153</TimeStamp> <UserID>GeorgeG</UserID><MachineRequest>Tread505</MachineRequest><MachineRequestDay>02.23.2000</MachineRequestDay><MachineReqTime>13:00:00,13:30:00</MachineReqTime>

[0076] Health club server 80 preferably includes a reservation database81 containing a listing of each exercise machine available and anyreservations made for the machines. In addition, time limits for eachexercise machine may be specified. In addition, health club server 80preferably includes user accounts 82 that may include a prepaid debitamount, a credit card number, bank account number, or other financialinformation that can be utilized to charge a user for a particularservice.

[0077] The reservation server 80 compares the schedule requests fromcomputer system 10 with available time slots in reservation database 81and transmits a list of available scheduling to computer system 10. Theindividual may then select to reserve exercise machines from theavailable scheduling. In scheduling time, an identifier and/or passwordfor the user is transmitted and stored with the reservation. Inaddition, the individual may select to be placed on a waiting list forexercise machines that are currently reserved during a requested timeperiod. Computer system 10 is then notified if the time slot opens.Preferably, a session of scheduled exercise machines is added to anelectronic calendar or other scheduling database on computer system 10.

[0078] In addition, reservation server 80 may be connected to multipleat-machine exercise machines 84 a-84 n via a communications medium.Exercise machines 84 a-84 n communicate with computer system 10 toreceive a reservation identifier for the user and transmit verificationrequests to reservation server 80 to verify that a user has areservation for an exercise monitor being requested by that user. Inverifying a user, both the reservation stored in reservation database 81and the account information for the user stored in user accounts 82 areverified. In addition, the user account may be debited. In receiving averification, exercise machines 84 a-84 n are enabled to function forthe verified user.

[0079] Reservation server 80 preferably tracks statistical dataconcerning the times utilized and frequency of reservation requests forexercise machines. By tracking reservation data, marketing and financialplanning data can be collected. For example, peak hours for a healthclub can be determined. In addition, by tracking reservation data, amember might be limited in the number of times that they can schedule areservation and later cancel the reservation. Either periodically or inreal-time, data from each of exercise machines 84 a-84 n may betransmitted to reservation server 80 in order to track the usage of eachexercise machine. In an alternate embodiment, data collected at each ofexercise machines 84 a-84 n may be transmitted periodically or inreal-time via a wireless transmission medium to a server or other datastorage medium that compiles data about the usage of each exercisemachines 84 a-84 n. Thus, whether an exercise machine is in use in ahome gym or a health club, a manufacturer or owner can obtain data aboutthe usage of the exercise machine via communications with each exercisemachines 84 a-84 n.

[0080] With reference now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a high levellogic flowchart of a process and program for controlling an exercisemachine in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, theprocess starts at block 100 and thereafter proceeds to block 102. Block102 illustrates a determination as to whether or not reservationauthorization is received. In order for reservation authorization to bereceived the user must enter an identifier into a machine monitor orsupply the identifier from a personal exercise monitor. If a reservationfor the machine has been made, the identifier is compared with anidentifier under which the machine is reserved. If there is a match,authorization is provided. Therefore, if authorization is not provided,the process ends. If authorization is provided, the process passes toblock 104. Block 104 depicts a determination as to whether or not apersonal exercise monitor is selected to control the exercise machine.If a personal exercise monitor is not selected, the process passes toblock 106. If a personal exercise monitor is selected, the processpasses to block 128.

[0081] Block 106 illustrates prompting the user to enter personal datasuch as age, weight, and height. Thereafter, block 108 depicts promptingthe user to select a program, time duration and output preference forthe program. Next, block 110 illustrates prompting the user to select adifficulty or speed of the program. Thereafter, block 112 depictsstarting the selected program. Block 113 depicts controlling output ofthe monitored data and any other user-determined output according theuser's output preferences to an output interface. Block 114 illustratescomparing monitored data with program goals. Next, block 116 depicts adetermination as to whether or not the user is meeting the programgoals. For example, meeting a program goal might include that a user'sheart rate has reached a target level depending on the age and weight ofthe user. If the user is meeting the program goals, then the processpasses to block 119. If the user is not meeting the program goals, thenthe process passes to block 118. Block 118 illustrates alerting the userthat they are not within the program goals. The user is not within theprogram goals if the user does not reach the program goals or if theuser exceeds the program goals. Next, block 119 depicts converting themonitored data into a common transmittable data format. Block 120illustrates transmitting the monitored data to the personal exercisemonitor. Thereafter, block 122 illustrates updating the current outputwith the monitored data. Next, block 124 depicts a determination as towhether or not the program for the machine is over. If the program isnot over, the process passes to block 114. If the program is over, theprocess passes to block 126. Block 126 illustrates outputting totals ofmonitored data from the duration of the exercise program; and theprocess ends.

[0082] Returning to block 128, there is depicted a determination as towhether or not personal data and program selection are received. Ifpersonal data and program selection are received, then the processpasses to block 112 and are utilized to set-up the at-machine exercisemonitor. If personal data and program selection are not received, theprocess passes to block 132. Block 132 illustrates a determination as towhether or not a control program signal from a personal exercise monitoris received. If a control program signal is not received, the processdefaults and passes to block 106. If a control program signal isreceived, the process passes to block 134. Block 134 depicts startingcontrol of the exercise machine by the control program signal.Thereafter, block 135 illustrates converting the monitored exercise datainto a common transmittable data format. Next, block 136 depictstransmitting monitored exercise data to the personal exercise monitor.Next, block 138 illustrates a determination as to whether the programtime is over as designated by the control signal. If the program time isover, the process ends. If the program time is not over, the processpasses to block 136.

[0083] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is depicted a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for utilizing a personal electronicexercise monitor to control an exercise machine in accordance with thepresent invention. As illustrated, the process starts at block 150 andthereafter proceeds to block 152. Block 152 depicts a determination asto whether or not a machine type is detected. A machine type may bedetected from a signal from the exercise machine or from an entry via aninput interface. If a machine type is not detected, the process passesto block 153. Block 153 illustrates an error; and the process ends.Alternatively, the process may perform a particular number of retriesbefore ending. If a machine type is detected, the process passes toblock 154. Block 154 depicts a determination as to whether or not thedetected machine is included in the fitness goals. The detected machinemay be selected as part of an exercise session, or a particular controlprogram may be designated for the detected machine in the fitness goals.If the machine is not included in the fitness goals, the process passesto block 156. Block 156 illustrates requesting user input of a controlprogram selection including difficulty; and the process passes to block158. If the machine is included in the fitness goals, the process passesto block 158.

[0084] Block 158 depicts retrieving the selected program for themachine. Thereafter, block 160 illustrates a determination as to thecontrol mode selection for the personal exercise monitor. If the controlmode is set to transmit personal data and program selections the processpasses to block 162. If the control mode is set to transmit a controlprogram, the process passes to block 176.

[0085] Block 162 depicts filtering the personal data and programselection according to security filters. Next, block 164 illustratestransmitting the filtered data to the at-machine exercise monitor.Thereafter, block 166 depicts a determination as to whether or notmonitored exercise data is received. If monitored exercise data is notreceived, the process iterates at block 166 for a period of time. Ifmonitored exercise data is received, the process passes to block 168.Block 168 illustrates updating the fitness profile. Thereafter, block170 depicts a determination as to whether or not the program time isover for the machine. If the program time is not over, the processpasses to block 166. If the program time is over, the process passes toblock 172. Block 172 illustrates a determination as to whether or notthe exercise session is over. If the exercise session is over theprocess ends. If the exercise session is not over, the process passes toblock 174. Block 174 depicts prompting the user to the next exercisemachine for the session; and the process ends.

[0086] Block 176 depicts transmitting a control signal for the controlprogram to the exercise machine. Next, block 177 illustrates controllingoutput of the cumulative fitness activity data according to user outputpreferences to an output interface. Thereafter, block 178 illustrates adetermination as to whether or not monitored exercise data is receivedfrom the exercise machine. If monitored exercise data is not received,the process iterates at block 178. If monitored exercise data isreceived, the process passes to block 179. Block 179 illustratesupdating the fitness profile with the monitored data. Next, block 180depicts comparing the monitored data with the fitness goals and program.Next, block 181 illustrates a determination as to whether or not theuser is meeting the fitness goals. If the user is not meeting thefitness goals, then the process passes to block 186. If the user ismeeting the fitness goals, then the process passes to block 182.

[0087] Block 182 illustrates adjusting the control signal for thecontrol program in order to aid the user in meeting the fitness goals.Next, block 184 depicts transmitting the adjusted control signal to theexercise machine. Block 186 illustrates updating the output interfacewith the monitored exercise data. Thereafter, block 188 depicts adetermination as to whether or not the program time is over. If theprogram time is not over, the process passes to block 178. If theprogram time is over, the process passes to block 172.

[0088] With reference now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a high levellogic flowchart of a process and program for specializing a personalelectronic exercise monitor in accordance with the present invention. Asdepicted, the process starts at block 200 and thereafter proceeds toblock 202. Block 202 illustrates a determination as to whether or not aset-up request is made. If a set-up request is made for a particularuser, the process passes to block 204. Multiple users may utilize asingle portable computer system as a personal exercise monitoringsystem. If a set-up request is not made, the process passes to block203. Block 203 depicts a determination as to whether or not new sessionplanning is selected. If new session planning is not requested, theprocess passes to block 202. If new session planning is requested, theprocess passes to block 216.

[0089] Block 204 depicts requesting personal data from the user.Thereafter, block 205 illustrates storing the personal data, preferablyin a data storage structure. Next, block 206 depicts requesting fitnessgoals such as race goals, weight loss, cardiovascular strength, etc.Block 207 illustrates storing the fitness goals. Block 208 depictsrequesting a list of exercise machines that are available to the user.The user may download the list of exercise machines, select from a listof pre-loaded exercise machines, or enter new exercise machines.Thereafter, block 209 illustrates storing the list of available exercisemachines. Next, block 210 depicts requesting preferred exercise times.Block 212 illustrates storing the preferred exercise times. Next, block214 depicts requesting security filter preferences. Block 215illustrates storing the security filter preferences with the personaldata. Thereafter, block 216 depicts determining an exercise session orsessions. Next, block 218 illustrates displaying the exercise session orsessions; and the process passes to block 220.

[0090] Block 220 illustrates filtering the displayed sessions with theuser's calendar; and the process passes to block 222. Block 222 depictsdetecting user selections of sessions. In addition to the personalexercise monitor determining suitable exercise sessions, the user maycreate his/her own sessions, or sessions may be downloaded from anothersource. In addition, a session may include control programs for a singleexercise machines or for multiple diverse exercise machines. Next, block225 depicts adding the selected sessions and output preferences to thefitness goals for the user. Thereafter, block 226 illustratestransmitting a request for reservations for the exercise machinesincluded in the selected sessions. Next, block 228 depicts adetermination as to whether or not a reply is received from areservation server. If a reply is not received, the process passes toblock 226. If a reply is received, the process passes to block 230.Block 230 illustrates displaying the reservation listing. Preferably thereservation listing includes exercise machines that have confirmedreservations and alternatives for unavailable machine requests. Block232 depicts transmitting selections from alternatives. Block 234illustrates adding the reservations to the user's electronic calendar;and the process ends.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is depicted a high level logicflowchart of a process and program for controlling machine usage for ahealth club in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, theprocess starts at block 250, and thereafter proceeds to block 252. Block252 depicts a determination as to whether or not a request for areservation is received. If a request for a reservation is not received,then the process passes to block 274. If a request for a reservation isreceived, then the process passes to block 254. Block 254 illustratescomparing the reservation request with the reservation schedule at thehealth club server. Next, block 256 depicts a determination as towhether or not the requested machine type and time are available. If therequested machine type and time are not available, then the processpasses to block 262. If the requested machine type and time areavailable, then the process passes to block 258. Block 258 illustratesinserting a reservation for the machine type and time in the reservationschedule with the membership id of the requesting user. Next, block 260depicts transmitting a reservation reply to the portable computer systemfor the requesting user; and the process ends.

[0092] Block 262 depicts searching the reservation schedule foralternative times and exercise machine types. Next, block 264illustrates transmitting the alternative times and exercise machinetypes to the portable computer system for the requesting user.Thereafter, block 266 depicts a determination as to whether or not aselection from among the alternatives is received at the health clubserver from the portable computer system for the requesting user. If aselection from among the alternatives is received, then the processpasses to block 268. Block 268 illustrates inserting a reservation forthe selected machine type and time in the reservation schedule with themembership id of the requesting user. Next, block 269 depictstransmitting a reservation reply to the portable computer system for therequesting user; and the process ends.

[0093] Returning to block 266, if a selection from among thealternatives is not received, then the process passes to block 270.Block 270 depicts a determination as to whether or not a request for thewaiting list for the user's first machine type and time request isreceived. If a request for the waiting list is not received, then theprocess ends. If a request for the waiting list is received, then theprocess passes to block 272. Block 272 illustrates inserting a waitinglist reservation for the machine type and time in the reservationschedule with the membership id of the requesting user. Next, block 273depicts transmitting a reservation reply to the portable computer systemfor the requesting user; and the process ends.

[0094] Block 274 illustrates a determination as to whether or not areservation verification request is received from a particular exercisemachine for a particular membership id for a particular time. If areservation verification request is not received, then the processpasses to block 252. If a reservation verification request is received,then the process passes to block 276. Block 276 depicts comparing themembership id with the particular exercise machine and time in thereservation schedule. Next, block 278 illustrates a determination as towhether or not the membership id is verified in the reservationschedule. If the membership id is not verified, then the process passesto block 284. Block 284 depicts transmitting a lack of verificationindicator to the requesting exercise machine; and the process ends. Ifthe membership id is verified, then the process passes to block 280.Block 280 illustrates debiting the membership account for the membershipid. The membership account may be debited according to the type ofexercise machine, the length of reservation for the exercise machine orother criteria. Next, block 282 depicts transmitting a verification tothe requesting exercise machine; and the process ends.

[0095] It is important to note that, although the present invention hasbeen described in the context of a fully functional computer system,those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of thepresent invention are capable of being distributed as a program productin a variety of forms, and that the present invention applies equallyregardless of the particular type of signal-bearing media utilized toactually carry out the distribution. Examples of signal-bearing mediainclude, but are not limited to, recordable-type media such as floppydisks or CD-ROMs and transmission-type media such as analogue or digitalcommunications links.

[0096] While the invention has been particularly shown and describedwith reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for monitoring cumulative fitnessactivity for a user, said method comprising the steps of: receiving atleast one type of exercise indicator signal associated with exerciseperformed by a particular user from a particular exercise machine in acommon transmittable data format at a portable computer system providedby said particular user; and computing and storing current cumulativefitness activity for said particular user at said portable computersystem utilizing said at least one type of exercise indicator signal andpreviously stored cumulative fitness activity data from prior exerciseby said particular user at a plurality of diverse exercise machines,such that said portable computer system associated with said particularuser monitors the real-time cumulative fitness activity of saidparticular user from said at least one type of exercise indicator signalcurrently received from said particular exercise machine.
 2. The methodfor monitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim 1, saidstep of receiving at least one type of exercise indicator signalassociated with exercise performed by a particular user from aparticular exercise machine in a common transmittable data format at aportable computer system provided by said particular user, furthercomprising the step of: receiving said at least one type of exerciseindicator signal in an extensible mark-up language data format.
 3. Themethod for monitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim 1,said method further comprising the step of: receiving exercise indicatorsignals indicating exercise performed by a particular user frommonitoring systems that monitor exercise indicator signals for saidparticular user independent of said particular exercise machine.
 4. Themethod for monitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim 1,said method further comprising the step of: receiving exercise indicatorsignals indicating exercise performed by a particular user from userinput to an input interface coupled to said portable computer system. 5.The method for monitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim1, said step of computing and storing current cumulative fitnessactivity for said particular user at said portable computer systemutilizing said at least one type of exercise indicator signal andpreviously stored cumulative fitness activity data, further comprisingthe step of: computing said current cumulative fitness activityaccording to said at least one type of exercise indicator signal, saidpreviously stored cumulative fitness activity data, and personal datafor said particular user.
 6. The method for monitoring cumulativefitness activity according to claim 1, said step of computing andstoring current cumulative fitness activity for said particular user atsaid portable computer system utilizing said at least one type ofexercise indicator signal and previously stored cumulative fitnessactivity data, further comprising the step of: computing said currentcumulative fitness activity according to said at least one type ofexercise indicator signal, said previously stored cumulative fitnessactivity data, and additional health factors detected for saidparticular user at said portable computer system.
 7. The method formonitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim 1, said stepof computing and storing current cumulative fitness activity for saidparticular user at said portable computer system utilizing said at leastone type of exercise indicator signal and previously stored cumulativefitness activity data, further comprising the step of: computing saidcurrent cumulative fitness activity according to said at least one typeof exercise indicator signal, said previously stored cumulative fitnessactivity data, and environmental exposure detected for said particularuser at said portable computer system.
 8. The method for monitoringcumulative fitness activity according to claim 1, said step of computingand storing current cumulative fitness activity for said particular userat said portable computer system utilizing said at least one type ofexercise indicator signal and previously stored cumulative fitnessactivity data, further comprising the step of: distinguishing storage ofsaid portion of said current cumulative fitness activity computed fromuse of said particular exercise machine.
 9. The method for monitoringcumulative fitness activity according to claim 1, said method furthercomprising the step of: retrieving said previously stored cumulativefitness activity data by distinct sessions of exercise performed by saidparticular user across said plurality of diverse exercise machines. 10.The method for monitoring cumulative fitness activity according to claim1, said method further comprising the step of: prompting said particularuser, at said portable computer system, to utilize said particularexercise machine according to a predetermined exercise schedule for saidparticular user.